A centuries-old Christmas tradition was kept alive by Henryetta high school students held the annual "Hanging of the Green ceremony.
Representatives from 28 classes, organizations and activities placed green wreaths and candles along the auditorium stage to help usher in the Christmas season.
Meg Vance and Kacee Martin reminded students the local ceremony started in 1969 even though the ancient custom of placing greenery around the homes dates back to pre-Christian times. The event is usually timed at the Winter Solstice on Dec. 21 but, because of the school holiday, it is held earlier.
As part of the Henryetta ceremony, a poem written by Matthew Valle, a former HHS student, was read. Members of the school choir and band performed holiday music.
Students representing the various grades and student organizations who participated included:  
12th grade: Charee Graham, Holly Stuart;
11th grade: Avery Moore, WyleeKay Lollis;
10th grade: Drew Brown, Micah Lowe;
9th grade: Austen Macaluso, Zadrien Jimenez;
Math: Tim Cole, Summer Bryant;
English: Brandon Cecil, Zoe Wheeler;
History: Venee Patel Cole Martin;
Science: McGregor Morris, Taylor Pickens;
Student Council: Brooklyn Selby, Eric Dwiggins;
FCCLA: Jaycee Barton, Areena Freeman;
Yearbook: Kasie Thompson, Hailey Weaver;
Choir: Brianna Foster, Elle Eddy;
Band: Jacob Cantrell, Sieria Fretz;
Vo-Tech: Trinity Rocha, ShiAnn Hedrick;
Youth Alive: Colton Wion, Rebecca Pearson;
Academic Team: Keaton Lollis, Kobe Johnson;
OSSM: Nick Pac, Jarett Day;
NHS: Kayla Key, Tanner Dodge;
Cheerleading: Lilly Rainwater, Patience Whitlock;
Softball/Baseball: Hunter Thomas, Lizzy Denton;
Cross-country: Bailey Graffman, Mya Powders;
Football: Brice Sanford, Walker Kinslow;
Weightlifting: Rhett Williams, Blake Vanmeter;
Basketball: Darious Tiger, Sydney King;
Track: Adam Kleveno, Shelby Bullard;
Tennis: Tyger Freeman, Rachael Montgomery;
Golf: Joe Coe, Abby Green;
Swim Team: Caprice Graham, Dustin Crawford;
Fishing Team: Bo Adams, Morgan Dumond.